Chief & News, Events, Tips & Techniques, Training & Tradeshows

How to Prepare for Chief AcademyFeatured

Red umbrellas over tables of happy people

Author, Kerry Hansen By Kerry Hansen

Chief Academy is an excellent way to get inspired. Spend two and a half days learning new skills to increase your knowledge of the software. Connect with our staff, network with industry peers, test drive new products, get answers to your questions, and more. As a class participant, there are several things you can do to help prepare and ensure your success during your time at Chief Academy.

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Tips & Techniques

3D Plumbing & Plumbing Isometrics in Chief ArchitectFeatured

A 3D Plumbing and HVAC plan made in Chief Architect Software.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image by Phillip Gibney

A plumbing system is a network of pipes, fittings, fixtures, and valves that delivers water where needed throughout the home while safely removing wastewater. While often one of the more underappreciated and unnoticed parts of a house, a well-built plumbing system is critical in ensuring health and sanitation.

With potentially hundreds of feet of piping navigating through a home’s structure, envisioning how a plumbing system is built can be challenging. 3D plumbing isometrics solves this challenge by allowing designers and contractors to visualize in far greater detail how a plumbing system may come together. This can help avoid problems during construction by highlighting conflicts between the plumbing system and the home’s structural components. For example, by visualizing in 3D where the plumbing lines are running, you could easily recognize a scenario such as a floor joist interfering with the placement of a toilet flange and its respective wastewater lines. Identifying and correcting such conflicts in the design phase is faster, easier, and less expensive than correcting them in the field.

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Chief & News, Tips & Techniques

How to Choose the Best Computer for Chief Architect and 3D Design Software

Chief Architect running on a laptop.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Chief Architect produces 3D Home Design Software for professional designers and DIY homeowners. From automated features for quickly creating floor plans, section details, and layouts to photo-realistic 3D renders for visualizing the design, the software is a powerful tool for those with residential design needs. Because the software is so powerful and robust, a question we often hear at Chief Architect is “what type of computer do I need to run the software”? Many computers are capable of running Chief Architect; however, depending on the specs, some will run Chief much more efficiently.  Investing in the right computer will also help ensure that the computer will run future versions of Chief effectively for a longer period of time, making your investment more cost effective over time.

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Chief & News, Industry News

Creating the Ultimate Home Bar with Chief Architect Software

Chief Architect rendering luxury home bar with dark wood accents.

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

Are you dreaming of a stylish and functional bar in your home—a space perfect for entertaining guests, hosting parties, or simply enjoying a relaxing beverage after a long day? Whether you’re a homeowner designing your own space or a professional creating something custom for clients, Chief Architect Software and Home Designer Software provide the tools to design a personalized home bar that fits seamlessly into any space and lifestyle. Here’s how you can bring your vision to life and create a space that will be the envy of your guests.

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Chief & News, Events, Online Training, Tips & Techniques, Training & Tradeshows

How to Prepare for a Chief Architect Training Class

Scott Harris training a Chief Architect class.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Chief Architect offers online and in-person training classes. These classes are an excellent way to increase your knowledge in the software, get your questions answered, connect with our staff, and network with industry peers. As a class participant, there are several things you can do to help prepare and ensure your success in a training class.

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Industry News, Tips & Techniques

Designing Your Dream Custom Shower: A Step-by-Step Guide

A custom shower designed in Chief Architect.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Designing the perfect shower is about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating a functional space that optimizes your daily routine. Whether designing a shower for a new home or remodeling your existing space, a thoughtfully designed shower must be created with your everyday routine in mind. This guide will help you navigate the key steps to design your dream custom shower.

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